S EIM SCR ORG1 3-04

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 80

(By Senators Cann, Barnes, Boley, Facemire, Kirkendoll,

Nohe, Snyder, Stollings and Sypolt)

[Originating in the Committee on Energy, Industry and Mining]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study of changes in the market for resources and methods for the production of electrical power, to assess whether it is necessary to revise or maintain West Virginia energy portfolio standards and to consider what statutory requirements, if any, are necessary to promote the use of all appropriate resources in order to provide reliable sources of power for all consumers in West Virginia at the best possible price.

    Whereas, The United States Congress has enacted the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, Pub. L. No. 95-617, 92 Stat. 3117 (1978), to reduce the nation’s electric utilities’ dependence on foreign fossil fuels by promoting the development and use of alterative sources of energy; and

    Whereas, In 2009 the Legislature enacted the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act, W. Va. Code §§24-2F-1 to -12, and this act requires that state electric utilities acquire or generate a certain percentage of their electric supply from alternative and renewable energy sources; and

    Whereas, A critical objective for both of these legislative initiatives was to promote the development of sustained, and sustainable, local sources of energy; and

    Whereas, West Virginia has been graced with abundant natural resources comprising a beneficial diversity of energy sources and the West Virginia Legislature seeks to capitalize on these locally available resources for the benefit of all the citizens and guests of the state; and

    Whereas, The market for methods and resources to provide electrical power continues to shift and evolve in response to market forces and emerging technologies; and

    Whereas, The West Virginia Renewable Energy Portfolio Act has not been reviewed or amended in recent years; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to authorize a study of changes in the market for resources and methods for the production of electrical power, to assess whether it is necessary to revise or maintain West Virginia energy portfolio standards and to consider what statutory requirements, if any, are necessary to promote the use of all appropriate resources in order to provide reliable sources of power for all consumers in West Virginia at the best possible price; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.